Frequently Asked Questions | NC 1:1 Flight Training with Paramotor, Ultralight and Light Sport - ParaTactical (2023)

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• ParaTactical offers a unique personal training experience tailored specifically to the requirements of each student pilot. Unlike most other training programs that give you a specific number of days to achieve proficiency, we train to a specific standard regardless of how long you train. Because our cadet pilots come from a variety of backgrounds, some cadets may require additional training time to become proficient in various academic and flight tasks. ParaTactical will continue to work with student pilots until proficiency in all skill areas is achieved.

• While no activity is without risk, powered paragliders and paragliders are the safest types of flight. These systems fly at relatively low speeds and use the pendulum effect to maintain a vertical attitude without pilot intervention. By combining high-quality training, continued proficiency, and flying within weather restrictions, pilots can significantly reduce the risk of accidents when operating powered or powered parachute systems.

• Powered Parachute:

  A powered parachute is a powered aircraft consisting of flexible or semi-rigid wings attached to the fuselage so that the wings are not in a flight position until the aircraft is in motion. The fuselage of a powered parachute contains the aircraft's engines, seats for each passenger and is connected to the aircraft's landing gear.

  In flight, due to the wing design, the PPC effectively flies at a constant airspeed, usually between 25 and 35 mph. PPCs can operate safely at altitudes ranging from a few feet above the ground to over 10,000 feet (3.05 km), but typical operating altitudes are between 500 and 1,500 feet (150-500 meters) above ground level (AGL). Equipped with 5- to 15-gallon fuel tanks, the PPC can typically fly for about two hours before needing refueling while maintaining fuel reserves.

  A unique feature of a powered parachute is its directional control system. Unlike general aviation aircraft, which are controlled primarily with the hands, directional control for the powder cap is achieved through the pilot's feet, allowing the hands to operate the throttle and forward rudder. This provides easier entry into the flight system and less pilot fatigue.

  There are two types of powered parachutes: ultralight and light sport.

  The ultralight system is a single seater, can carry up to 5 US gallons, weighs less than 254 kg and does not require an FAA pilot's license to fly.

  Light sport systems typically have two seats, have no fuel capacity limitations, and require at least an FAA sport pilot license to operate.

  Most motorized parachutes use ROTAX motors. These engines are two-stroke or four-stroke reciprocating engines produced by the aerospace division of the ROTAX company. They often have dual carburetors and dual ignition for greater redundancy. Most motorized parachute engines produce 50 to 100 horsepower.

  Powerful Parachute:

  Paramotor is the general name for the harness and propulsion components of a powered paraglider ("PPG"). There are two basic types of prime movers: foot-driven and wheel-driven.

  The foot-powered model consists of a braided frame, fuel tank, engine and propeller. The netting hoop mainly keeps the wires out of the propeller. The unit is carried as a large backpack to which the paraglider is attached via a carabiner.

  The wheel launcher is a complete unit with its own motor and propeller, or as an attachment to a prime mover foot switch. They usually have 3 (tricycles) or 4 (quadricycles) wheels and have room for one passenger. They differ from motorized parachutes, which are usually heavier, more powerful, and have bicycle steering.

  The engine is almost entirely a small two-stroke, between 80cc and 250cc.

  The pilot controls thrust with the hand throttle and uses wing brakes and weight transfer switches for steering. This requires a continuous two-handed arm position with one hand simultaneously operating the throttle and steering input levers.

  A typical paramotor weighs between 45 and 75 kg. Fuel can add up to 20 extra pounds. The size of the thruster and engine wing required depends on the weight of the pilot: the heavier the pilot, the greater the size and thrust of the wing required for takeoff.

  All prime movers are governed by CFR 14 Part 103 (Ultralight). They are limited to one seat, 5 gallons of gas capacity and a maximum weight of 253 lbs. While two-seat systems are available, pilots must maintain an instructor and series rating from the American Power Paraglider Association and fly under an FAA exemption.

• The cost of training varies and depends on several factors. ParaTactical's current prices are as follows:

  Powered Parachute:

  Ultralight program with your team: $2500

  Super light project with our equipment: $4000

  Light exercise program with your team: $3,500

  Light exercise program with our equipment: $4500

  Powerful Parachute:

  Plan with your team: $2500

  Use our team plan: $4000

• Prices for system and wing combinations range from about $10,000 for quality used equipment to over $25,000 new.

• Because ParaTactical's training philosophy is "Train to Gauge, Not Time", we cannot train by time.

• Slope. Student pilots can pay to use auxiliary tactical equipment during training. However, all student-supplied equipment must be inspected prior to training, be safe for flight operations, and fit the pilot's size. Fees apply for this check. It is strongly recommended that you consult with ParaTactical before purchasing any equipment.

  PARATATCTICAL is not a distributor of any brand. All cadet pilots are different. We advise students during training on various system options to meet their physical, financial and flight requirements.

• Super light programs are usually 4-7 "good weather" days. The light exercise program lasts about 14 days.

  ParaTactical runs parallel training programs. Students will arrive on Monday and train daily until completion. Sometimes we can arrange back-to-back weekend classes that are coordinated at the time of scheduling.

• ParaTactical Field is located 12 miles north of Elizabethtown, NC and 1 mile southeast of Amon, NC. The training center is located 7 miles from a primarily family resort community (White Lake, NC). During pilot training, many student pilots bring their families to enjoy the view of the lake. Accommodation is available all year round.

• Contact ParaTactical for free instructions. At the end of the orientation we can discuss the availability of training.

• Yes, there is a charge for skydiving and tandem flights. Motorized Parachute ($250), Motorized Parachute ($300). The dual training flight consists of 30 minutes of system orientation and 30 minutes of flight time.

• A. Study for and pass the FAA Powered Parachute Land Pilot Sport Exam.

  B. To apply for a sport pilot license, you must have received and documented ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in the following areas of powered parachute operation:

  (a) Preparation before flight.

  (b) Pre-flight procedures.

  (c) Airport Operations.

  (d) Take-off (or launch), landing and rotation.

  (e) Conducting Exercises.

  (f) Ground reference maneuvers.

  (h) Navigation.

  (k) Emergency action.

  (l) Post-flight procedures.

  C. Completion of the aviation experience requirements outlined in FAR 61.313(g). These include:

  • Log at least 12 hours of powered parachute flight time

  • Includes at least 10 hours of dual flight training

  o Includes at least 2 hours of individual flight training

  oIncludes at least 1 hour of dual out-of-country flight training

  o Include at least 1 hour of bi-directional flight training in preparation for the practical test within two calendar months of the date of the practical test.

  • Record at least 20 takeoffs and landings in a full stop with a powered parachute

  o Powered parachutes involving at least 10 separate dot take-offs and landings

  • Document at least one single flight landing at a different airport and a flight segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 10 nautical miles between the point of departure and landing

• very calm. Paragliding and paragliding are usually done early in the morning or late at night when there is no wind, making for a smooth and relaxing aerial experience.

• During flight, pilots are always looking for a safe landing zone. If the engine stops, the pilot will drag the system to the ground. Many normal landings are made with power outages. Most modern wings have a glide ratio between 6:1 and 8:1, which produces a smooth, controlled landing regardless of engine condition.

• Powered paragliders and powered parachutes are two-axle aircraft or vehicles that fly at a constant speed of about 25 to 35 mph.

• The motorized parachute burns 3 to 4 gallons and has a fuel tank capacity of 5 to 10 gallons. A prime mover uses about 2 gallons per hour and the fuel tank capacity is typically 3.2 gallons. This allows for flight times of up to 1-2 hours while maintaining a 30 minute hold.

• While ultralight aircraft are legal to fly at the upper limit (17,999 miles) of Class "E" airspace, pilots can typically reach about 5,000 to 10,000 feet, depending on weight, weather and system configuration. The Light Sport system is limited to 10,000 mL.

• Pilots can fly 25 to 50 miles on a tank of gas in calm conditions, depending on the size and burn rate of the tank.

• According to the FAA, ultralight pilots can train on their own. However, this is very dangerous. Find a good trainer, pay for them, and progress through a regulated program. In the long run, you will save money on broken equipment. Your training does not have to use ParaTactical. There are many very capable mentors. Find someone to work with you to achieve your flight goals.

• While the answer to this question depends on system configuration, wing size and engine thrust, the following are general guidelines.

  Powered Parachute: Up to 325 lbs.

  Paramotor (foot launch): Less than 180 lbs.

  Paramotor (wheel launch): Hasta 225 lbs.

• When properly weighted, powered parachutes and powered parachutes can take off and land in a relatively small space. However, pilots must take time during the launch to perform final checks of the lifters, flaps and flap units to ensure the system is ready to fly.

  Experienced pilots can use a paramotor at about 50-100 feet and a powered parachute at about 300 feet.

  Remember, you must always be aware of the obstacles on the track. While you can get off the ground within 50 feet, it may take 1,000 feet to clear the trees at the end of the runway.

  Depending on the glide ratio of the wing, the wind and the skill of the pilot, the landing spot can be very short (100 feet to be exact).

• Slope. Only FAA (Powered Parachute) and US Motorized Parachute (Powered Parachute) instructors can offer double flights for compensation. These flights must be performed while training is in progress.

• Ultralight and light sport pilots will not be able to fly at night. Pilots may fly with approved anti-collision lights 30 minutes before official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset.

• No reservation required. However, it is highly recommended to book a motorized paragliding flight.

• There is no minimum age limit for ultralight pilots. However, student pilots must demonstrate maturity and the ability to understand and retain operational and academic information.

  Light Sport riders must be at least 16 years old.

• Ordinary. Ultralight pilots fly within the limits of their own knowledge. When flying light sport systems, light sport pilots must hold an FAA sport pilot certificate and a valid driver's license.

• Pilots fly in a 3D world with increased vertical space. Over 99% of the airspace in the United States is suitable for ultralight and light sport pilots to fly at a certain altitude. The key is training on FAA parts and other basics like temporary flight restrictions that will give pilots an idea of ​​where they can legally fly.